River levels are still very much near drought conditions. The trout have been rising well, but - due to low water and slow currents - have been hard to catch. Around 250 wild browns were caught last week, with the best - a 12-incher - falling to Mr George Seymour on Bottom Beat on the Lyd. The fish have been rising to reasonable hatches of mayfly, but also to black gnat and small olives. Unfortunately a very gusty wind over the last week has driven much of the fly life off the river and put the fish down. Accurate casting is also hampered by these conditions.
On the salmon and sea trout front, we have had reports of fish being caught on the beats below the hotel water, so it won't be long until we see a silver leaper or two at Lifton. Needless to say a spate would work wonders and really kick start the sea trout season.
There are certainly a few fish in the lower reaches of the river, and Gerald Spiers took advantage of a couple of evenings near the tidal reaches, landing two sea trout to 5.5lb and a salmon of 28 inches. The fish were caught using small flies and light leaders - tactics usually employed in August... such are the current conditions. Here's hoping for some rain!!!
Mayfly spinners above the Tamar.
